CEDAR CITY – A rousing “Raider’s March” and themes from “Harry Potter” by John Williams give zest to the 32nd annual Suzuki Strings Spring Concert on Thursday, May 7, at 7 p.m. in the Heritage Center, 105 N. 100 E. in Cedar City. The public is invited and the suggested donation is $5.
Students from age three to adult perform music ranging from fiddling to classical. The participants come from throughout southern Utah and attend weekly group classes as well as having private lessons.
Orchestra pieces include music by Purcell, Gluck, and John Williams. The large ensemble presents Baroque dance music such as a “Gavotte” by Martini and a “Musette” by Bach which mimics the bagpipe. Advanced violins are tackling two of the “Wicked Reels” by Marshall, made famous by the Barrage fiddling group. Violas have chosen music by Mozart and Brahms. The cellists are floating on a Venetian canal with “Gondola Song” as well as a modern variation from an Irish composer called “Xanny Boy”.
The “Orchestra Song” is an audience participation introduction to instruments and the fun of fitting the musical puzzle pieces together to explain how orchestra sound is created.
Group class teachers include Chelsea Gardner, Marin Colby, Kindal Ridd, Alexandra Schwartz, and Sara Penny. Pianists are Tasha Seegmiller, Rimi Fletcher, Mel Jeffs, and Beth Stephenson. Several other community teachers have their students participate in Suzuki Strings.
“We enjoy sharing our music with the community and the program offers a wide range of music for your enjoyment”, said Sara Penny, Suzuki Strings director.
Suzuki Strings Cedar City is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and appreciates support from the Cedar City RAP fund, Sterling and Shelli Gardner Foundation, and Cozzens Cabinets, LLC.
For more information on the concert or Suzuki Strings contact [email protected]